Asking the bridesmaids in a special way
For many brides today, asking their nearest and dearest to stand up with them on their wedding day simply isn’t’t something that can be done via phone or text, or even just on your regular girls’ night out. Brides are popping the question to their ‘maids with creative gifts, personalized cards, or taking them out to a nice lunch or dinner. But remember that those little costs can add up!
Beauty treatments
You’ve already set aside money for your professional hair styling and makeup application on the wedding day, but remember that you may need more than one trial for each in order to feel fully comfortable on the big day. Also, keep in mind any pre-wedding beauty treatments you may want to indulge in, from a Mani/Pedi to a spray tan to a massage.
Your bachelorette party
Just because you have been dreaming about a certain type of gown doesn’t mean it’s right for your venue or style of wedding. If you’re planning to dance the night away then that low plunging v-neck dress might not be appropriate. Similarly a 3mtr train might not work so well for a beachdestination wedding. You need to love the dress and know it will work for the climate ceremony and reception
Pre-wedding party attire
Another forgotten fashion item: Cute dresses for your pre-wedding events, from the engagement party to the bridal shower to the bachelorette party to the rehearsal dinner to the day-after brunch, you’ll be celebrating months around your wedding date with your nearest and dearest. Save money by re-wearing dresses you already own — you don’t need a little white dress for every party just because you’re the bride. Change the look of your simple white dress by adding a fashion headpiece, some statement earrings or coloured shoes. Accessories can completely change an outfit and can be mixed and matched with a variety of dresses.
Destination Wedding
Even the strongest bride can be easily swayed by the opinion of a friend or family member,we see it in our boutique a lot but you need to remember everyone has varying taste, and not everyone will love your dress as much as you do. (sorry but it’s true) For your wedding day it’s your opinion that counts. If you constantly need assurance from your posse than this may not be a sign to keep looking. Make sure you would choose the dress even if your shopping alone. You need to feel amazing on the day and beyond, the differing opinion of a friend will been nothing after your weddingif youlove how you looked and felt in the dress.
Pre-wedding costs, forgotten items
“Wedding brain” can affect even the best of us — and if you’re not getting ready in your own home, it’s far too easy to forget something and need a last-minute replacement. We recommend starting your packing list at least a week before your wedding, and have a trusted loved one look it over as well to make sure you’re not forgetting anything. This can include the honeymoon also for those flying out directly. Hubby and I had said our good buys and off to the hotel, next stop Paris when we realised his spare clothes were in the best man’s car. Imagine a 24 hr flight in suite and tie.
extra stationary, Pre-wedding costs
Don’t blow your entire stationery budget on your save-the-dates and invitations. You also need to think about thank you cards, RSVP cards, programs, church books, place cards, menu cards, wedding day signage and any other day-of needs you may encounter.
postage
When choosing your invitations, be sure to check weight and size , anything varying from a standard size envelope will incur additional postage. Some invitations can set you back $1 or more in postage fees. Keep in mind that extra postage is also required for square invitations, regardless of weight.
Also, don’t forget that you also need stamps for your save-the-dates, RSVP cards, and thank-you notes. And try not to obsess over matching your postage to your invitation theme, which can sometimes lead you to choose a more expensive stamp just for the design. No one will remember the stamps.
Getting ready
A Hotel Room the Night Before & night of wedding
If you and your bridesmaids are planning on getting ready in a hotel suite, pay attention to check in/checkout times , you’ll often need to book the room for two nights in order to have the morning to get ready. “Many hotels will not guarantee an early check-in on the wedding date, “To be safe, and especially if you have a larger bridal party, you might want to consider reserving your room for not just the wedding night, but the night before as well. This way, you can check in at your leisure the night before, sleep a little late, order room service, and invite the ladies to join you for a relaxing day of pampering and getting dolled up. As well as the day before let’s not forget the wedding night. I’m guessing your not going to be happy with a BnB, so don’t forget hotel suites can be pricey
Meals on the Wedding Day, Pre-wedding costs
Whether you’re getting ready at home or in a hotel, your bridesmaids will likely be with you every step of the way. Don’t let them starve, or get drunk before the mail meal. Keep it simple with bagels and fruit for breakfast and a platter of sandwiches for lunch. Your photographer counts as a person at the reception, too. Your DJ is working up a sweat keeping your guests moving. If you’ve got someone working hard for a long day to make sure you look good in your wedding photos and make sure your guests are having a great time, the least you can do is make sure there’s enough food for them! Make sure your catering agreement covers those hard working vendors, too.
Fashion Altérations
Unless you’re extremely lucky, your wedding gown is going to require some alterations, whether that means hemming the gown, taking it in (or letting it out), or structural changes (like adding straps). Some salons offer a flat fee, while others will charge you for every alteration. This can run you several hundred dollars, so don’t blow your entire fashion Pre-wedding costs on the gown, be sure to ask up front
Undergarments and Accessories
Also, save room in your fashion budget for the accessories, (hello, I call them essentials). A lot of brides don’t include some really important items in their Pre-wedding costs. Your veil, jewellery, undergarments and/or shape wear, not to mention some nice 1st night lingerie. These items can really add up. Everything you, (as the bride) wears on the day is essential, they help you look and feel your best. Everything you wear is in every photo you are and although often not bought till late in the planning, are soo important to make the bride look and feel on point. I don’t care how I look on my wedding day.. said no bride EVER.
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